TOP 10 methods to disinfect shoes at home
Disinfection of shoes is a necessary measure to prevent the occurrence of such a common disease as foot mycosis. The bacteria that spread this disease multiply inside shoes and are particularly fond of old, worn shoes. It is necessary to regularly disinfect shoes in order to prevent the spread of fungus in time. Let's see how to properly disinfect shoes from fungal bacteria.
The causes of the appearance of the fungus
Dermatophytes spread foot fungus. They tend to live on moist, woody surfaces. The inside of shoes can also create a favorable environment for their reproduction. This is especially true for old, worn shoes. Therefore, it must be disinfected regularly. A large number of dermatophytes cause infections and the development of diseases, because the fungus feeds on dead skin cells.
The main methods of home disinfection
There are a large number of products on the market with which you can disinfect your shoes yourself at home.Let's take a look at some of the existing tools and see what the pros and cons of each one are.
micro-stop spray
Mycostop is one of the most popular remedies for the prevention of fungal infections. It has a strong bactericidal effect that reliably protects the feet and nails from harmful microorganisms. The product is safe for humans and at the same time reliably eliminates infectious microbes.
They can both heal the feet after interacting with a dangerous environment, for example after a bath or sports training, and can be used to disinfect everyday shoes.
disavid
This product does not contain such elements as alcohol, chlorine, acids and alkalis, so it does not spoil the processed material at all. It is an economical product with a long-lasting disinfectant effect.
It can be used both to eliminate harmful microorganisms and to prevent their appearance. Helps prevent fungal infections from taking hold in shoes and eliminate unpleasant odors.
Bicin
Spray Bicin is one of the most popular and effective shoe disinfectant sprays. Its advantages are impact efficiency, coupled with an affordable price. The protective effect lasts up to forty days after use.
In addition to fighting germs and vectors of fungal infections and eliminating unpleasant odors, it also reduces sweaty feet. Bicin has a two-component composition. The active substances are mixed before use, which results in a longer-lasting protective effect than deodorants and antiperspirants.
Formidron
An antiseptic preparation also used for disinfection purposes. Its main active ingredients are ethanol and formaldehyde. Destroys unpleasant sweat odors and kills harmful bacteria. It is characterized by an affordable price.
Chlorhexidine
An antiseptic intended for the treatment and prevention of infections, as well as for the treatment of clothing and shoes against germs. Effectively eliminates sweaty feet and unpleasant odors and fights fungal parasites. A 1% solution sold in specialized stores is suitable for disinfection. The product does not have its own smell, so it is suitable for quick processing, without the need for airing.
With improvised means
In addition to specialized disinfectants, shoes can be treated for fungus using handy tools such as vinegar, alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide. Let's figure out how to properly treat using these substances.
The vinegar
Vinegar is one of the most popular folk remedies for antifungal treatments. To eliminate fungal bacteria, you should use forty percent vinegar essence, as regular vinegar will not work for this purpose.
It is necessary to dip a cotton swab in vinegar and put it in boots, shoes or sneakers, after which the steamer is placed in an airtight package for a couple of days.
After one to three days, the shoes should be dried and ventilated, as the vinegar leaves an odor.
shoe alcohol
You can clean your shoes of fungal microbes using a ten percent ammonia solution. Dampen a gauze cloth with ammonia and wipe the inside of the boots with it. Then put on your shoes to ventilate.The main disadvantage of this method is the pungent smell of ammonia, so you will need to air the boots well after using it.
Hydrogen peroxide
This method will help you remove unpleasant odors from shoes and kill fungal bacteria. You will need a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Moisten the cotton with it and wipe the inside of the shoes. You can also spray the solution with a spray bottle. Let the shoes dry for a few days.
How to disinfect with a hardware method
For disinfection of shoes, there are special disinfectant dryers operating on the principle of ultraviolet radiation. Such a device is inserted into the shoe as close as possible to the sock and connected to electricity. After that, the dryer should be left inside the trunk for about eight hours. The ultraviolet light will destroy the fungal spores and the boots can be reused immediately.
Disinfection rules
When disinfecting, it is necessary to pay attention to certain rules in order to achieve the desired effect and not damage the shoes.
Security
To avoid the spread of parasites inside the shoe, it is important to take care of it. Fungal spores thrive in moist, warm environments, so items should be kept clean and dry.
Do not let natural leather or imitation leather shoes get wet. Wash them regularly with a mild soap solution, then place scraps of newspaper or a clothes dryer inside. When washing your clothes, use a minimal amount of detergent. Following these guidelines will help you minimize the risk of spreading fungal infections inside your shoes.
Coaching
Before proceeding to the treatment process, the steam must be thoroughly washed from the outside and wiped a little from the inside with a damp cloth. Remove shoelaces and insoles. Soles should be processed separately, more thoroughly and on both sides.
Handling
When processing shoes, we strive to create the most acidic environment. It is such an environment that has a destructive effect on bacteria that carry fungal infections. Treatment should be carried out regularly, at least twice a month. Some products can be disinfected daily.
In addition to the shoes themselves, insoles, laces and socks should also be disinfected.
To treat
Dip cotton into a disinfectant solution and wipe down the inside of the shoe thoroughly, including hard-to-reach places. Also wipe the insoles on both sides. Place cotton balls soaked in the solution inside the shoes and place the shoes in an airtight plastic bag or plastic container. Leave the shoes for ten to twelve hours, then air out and dry.
Prevention after treatment
Fungal infection of the feet usually occurs in places where it is customary to walk barefoot, for example, on the beach, in the swimming pool, in a public bath, in a sports hall with a shared shower. In order not to catch the infection in these places, treat your feet with antifungal agents before and after your visit.
In the pool, it is better to use plastic shoes, since this is the least favorable environment for the growth of fungal spores. Choose sports shoes made from natural materials and in the right size.
The fungus can also be contracted at home, especially when living near elderly and sick people. Low immunity can be one of the main causes of infection. Therefore, the general strengthening of the body's immunity will help prevent, including fungal diseases. Try to breathe fresh air more often, eat healthy foods, and temper yourself. If you show signs of a fungus, immediately consult a mycologist to prevent further development of the disease in the early stages.